| Mongolian saiga | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Bovidae |
| Subfamily: | Antilopinae |
| Genus: | Saiga |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | S. t. mongolica |
| Trinomial name | |
| Saiga tatarica mongolica Bannikov | |
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| Range of Mongolian saiga shown in red | |
The Mongolian saiga (Saiga tatarica mongolica) is a subspecies of saiga antelope endemic to Mongolia's Great Lakes Basin desert steppe ecoregion. [1] It was originally described as a full species, but later the initial author moved it to its current taxonomic position. [1] It has also been considered a subspecies of Saiga borealis , but that has been shown to be incorrect. [1]
The Mongolian saiga can develop a sandy colour. The coat develops a pale, grayish-brown colour in winter, with a hint of brown on the belly and the neck. The ventral parts are generally white. The hairs, can grow as long as 40–70 mm (1.6–2.8 in) in winter. This forms a 12 to 15 cm (4.7 to 5.9 in) long mane on the neck. Two distinct moults can be observed in a year, one in spring from April to May and another in autumn from late September or early October to early December. [2]
The population of Mongolian saiga has steadily increased after a viral infection from livestock killed 60% of the population in Mongolia in 2017. [3] [4]
